Free kid-friendly events this week in Brooklyn (4/13-4/19)

This week, families can participate in numerous Earth Day celebrations throughout Brooklyn. They can also enjoy a magic show in Brooklyn Heights, exploring dinosaur fossils in Sunset Park, a bilingual puppet show in Williamsburg, a sensory garden hour and workshop in Greenpoint, the grand opening of the Green-House at Green-Wood, an art fair in Clinton Hill, a comic convention in Industry City, and much more. There are also a lot of special events for tweens and teens, including a tween book group in Clinton Hill, a plant giveaway in Greenpoint, and a workshop about content sharing and a special spa night in Prospect Heights.

MONDAY

Magic Alive! Kids and Family Magic Show | Brooklyn Heights 

Monday, April 13th | 3:30pm-4:30pm

This interactive magic program at the Brooklyn Heights Library, led by family favorite magician Razzle Dazzle, has every jaw-dropping magic trick in the book, and includes a comedic twist! Part magic show, that has families working to create the magic by clapping, laughing, and saying the magic words. Part lesson, as each attendee will learn some magic that they create right there in their hands.

Free Admission Days at the Pier 2 Roller Skating Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park

Mondays & Fridays | 3:30pm-6:00pm | FREE admission but skate rental is $8 and skate mate rental is $6

Come to the Pier 2 Roller Skating Rink for some free family fun and exercise. Enjoy the fresh air and gorgeous views as you skate around the rink.

Kids Explore: Dino Fossils | Sunset Park

Monday, April 13th | 4:00pm-5:00pm | Designed for ages 6-12 

Take home a fossil and the dino that made it with this fun DIY at the Sunset Park Library!

TUESDAY

Puppet Show: Goldilocks and the Three Ositos | Williamsburg

Tuesday, April 14th | 3:30pm-4:45pm | Ages 5-8 with their caregivers

A beloved classic reimagined with a warm Latin touch. This bilingual (English/Spanish) puppet show runs approximately 40 minutes and invites audiences of all ages to enjoy an engaging, music, and humorous experience. Goldilocks embarks on an unexpected adventure when she enters the home of three friendly Latino bears, discovering lessons about respect, prudence, and caring for what belongs to others. A joyful and inclusive performance for families and communities alike. This event will take place at the Leonard Library. 

Afternoon Kids Event with Linda Sue Park: Just One Gift with Karina Yan Glaser | Carroll Gardens

Tuesday, April 14th | 4:00pm-5:oopm | RSVP here

Come to this special event at Books are Magic’s Smith Street location. Exploring themes of community and gratitude, Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park captures the diverse voices of a lively classroom discussion in a thought-provoking story told through linked poems: Love that Dog meets Seedfolks!

New Mom Meet Up at Fontainhas | DUMBO

Tuesdays | 4:30pm-6:00pm

Bring your baby to Fontainhas for some cozy chai and hang with other new moms. Hosted every week by the new mom pop-up POST.

Smash the Stigma at the Jamaica Bay Library | Canarsie

Tuesday, April 14th | 6:00pm-7:00pm | Teens

Smash the Stigma is a program designed to explore and challenge common misconceptions about mental health through art, storytelling, and meaningful conversation. Inspired by the mission of the Yellow Tulip Project, a youth-driven movement dedicated to breaking down the silence and stigma around mental illness, this program invites participants to engage with powerful visual narratives, share their own experiences, and build empathy and understanding together. The goal is not only to see mental health differently, but to talk about it  because open dialogue creates connection, reduces isolation, and helps build supportive communities.

WEDNESDAY

Free Admission at New York Aquarium | Coney Island

Wednesdays | 3:00pm-6:00pm | Reserve tickets here; free tickets are made available at 3pm the Monday before

Take advantage of free admission hours at the New York Aquarium from 3:00-6:00pm on Wednesdays. Note that advance timed tickets are required (max of 4 per group); the Wednesday Afternoon Ticket Store will open on Monday at 3:00pm for that Wednesday’s reservations.

Afternoon Storytime with JP Brammer: Axl the Axolotl Is Not a Frog | Carroll Gardens

Wednesday, April 15th | 4:00pm-5:00pm | RSVP here

Come to this storytime at Books are Magic’s Smith Street location. From EGOT-winning songwriters Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, the songwriters behind The Greatest Showman and Dear Evan Hansen, and author JP Brammer comes a story of a brave and curious axolotl who is determined to find where he belongs. Brought to life by Vanessa Morales, this is a funny and affirming story about loving the things that make you unique and that finding the place you belong might look different than you expected. Complete with fascinating, kid-friendly facts about axolotls!

Teen Time: Plant Giveaway for Earth Month | Greenpoint

Wednesday, April 15th | 4:00pm-5:30pm | Ages 13-18

Teens can come to the Teen Zone at the Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center to pick up an air purifying plant and to see how they have an impact on the air around them by using an air monitor from the library’s very own Tool Library. Participants will discuss how to care for plants, how plants are important in our lives, and listen to plant-friendly music.

Tween Book Group with Megan Discussing Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of World War II | Clinton Hill

Wednesday, April 15th | 6:00pm-7:00pm | Ages 9-12 | Register here

For April at the Greenlight Bookstore, the tween book group will discuss Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz, an instant New York Times bestseller and an acclaimed Best Book of 2024! The first book in a duology, Max in the House of Spies is a thought-provoking World War II story as only acclaimed storyteller Gidwitz can tell it—fast-paced and hilarious, with a dash of magic and a lot of heart. Pizza will be served!

Teen Takeover – Glow & Gather: A Library Spa Night | Prospect Heights

Wednesday, April 15th | 6:00pm-8:00pm | Teens

Hit the reset button and join the Central Library for an evening of total relaxation and DIY self-care! Participants will be crafting bath-bombs, testing out soothing face masks, and learning simple techniques to de-stress during the busy school season. Whether you’re looking to pamper yourself or just hang out in a chill environment, this is the perfect mid-month break. Come solo or bring a friend!

THURSDAY

Storytime | Kensington

Thursdays | 2:00pm-2:15pm

Stop by Lofty Pigeon Books for storytime on Thursday afternoons.

Community Access Thursdays at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights

Thursdays | 2:00pm-5:00pm | Reserving tickets in advance is recommended

Explore some of the museum’s most-loved exhibits, including toddler-favorite Totally Tots, the miniature shops of World Brooklyn, our NEST kids’ climber, and more. Then check out ColorLab, the family art studio located on the 2nd floor of the Museum, where artists of all ages can explore, make, and celebrate art. Plus, say hello to BCM’s live animals at Animal Encounters, which repeats twice, first from 3:00-3:20pm and again from 3:45-4:05 pm. It’s recommended that you reserve your tickets in advance online. Walk-ins always welcome.

Nature Storytime | Brooklyn Bridge Park

Thursday, April 16th | 3:00pm-3:30pm 

Join for Nature Storytime at the Environmental Education Center! This event is held at 3:00 PM on the third Thursday of every month. Librarians from Brooklyn Public Library Adams Street location will lead an exciting and engaging storytime session, along with singing and rhymes. Each month they select a book to pair with the Education Center’s monthly nature theme. Stick around after to check out all the animals and activities in the room during Open Hours! Storytime is typically about a half hour long.

Garden Workshop | Greenpoint

FRIDAY

Storytime at Jane’s Carousel | Brooklyn Bridge Park

Fridays in April (except 4/10) | 10:15am-10:45am

Hosted by Brooklyn Public Library in Brooklyn Bridge Park, storytime at Jane’s Carousel returns for some springtime stories, songs and Friday morning fun! There is no registration, but arrive early as there is a capacity limit.

Sensory Garden Hour | Greenpoint

Friday, April 16th | 10:30am-11:30am | Ages 0-5

Join the Greenpoint Library for kids’ time in our rooftop garden! They will do a short garden-themed storytime, and then spend time together in the garden. The garden offers many sensory experiences for young kiddos, and the librarians will set up some fun activities as well. Storytime will take place on the library’s roof-top demonstration garden, and it can be very hot and sunny, so please plan accordingly. This event will take place at the Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center.

Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park

Fridays | 3:00-5:00pm

Visit the Environmental Education Center for Open Hours. Open Hours offer the opportunity for self-led investigation with guidance by expert educators to reveal the hidden stories found within and around Brooklyn Bridge Park. Explore their critter and fish tanks, a 10′ model of the Park, and enjoy custom arts, crafts, and reading materials which rotate on a monthly basis.

Power of the Edit – Teen News & Media Literacy Series | Prospect Heights

Friday, April 17th | 4:30pm-5:30pm | Ages 13-18 | Register here

Today’s technology gives young people powerful tools to create and share content, but this can lead to tricky situations. This workshop explores striking the balance between creating content that will be popular but could also be hurtful. This event will take place at the Central Library. Registration is recommended. Snacks will be served.

SATURDAY

Grand Opening: The Green-House at Green-Wood | Greenwood Cemetery

Saturday, April 18th and Sunday, April 19th | 10:00am-3:00pm | Register here

Welcome to the Green-House! Join for an unforgettable opening weekend as Green-Wood celebrates its newest space with activities designed to delight visitors of all ages. From hands-on workshops to guided explorations, these programs offer something for everyone to discover, learn, and connect with this exciting addition to their historic grounds.

Healthy Kids Day | Bed-Stuy, Coney Island, Dodge, Flatbush, Greenpoint, North Brooklyn, Prospect Park

Saturday, April 18th | 10:00am | Reserve a spot here

The YMCA is hosting a free day of family fun, exploration and community. Enjoy games, activities, fitness, crafts, giveaways, and more! Be sure to check with your local YMCA to confirm the start time.

Earth Day Celebration | Governors Island

Saturday, April 18th | 10:00am-2:00pm 

Save the date for Earth Day 2026 on Gov­er­nors Island! Fea­tur­ing free activ­i­ties for all ages, includ­ing eco­log­i­cal stew­ard­ship, walk­ing tours, an out­door sound bath, cli­mate tech demos, food trucks, com­mu­ni­ty sci­ence, and more to be announced.

Earth Day Festival | Fort Greene

Saturday, April 18th | 11:00am-2:00pm | Register here 

Visit Fort Greene Park for a fun, family-friendly day dedicated to celebrating and caring for the Earth. Enjoy workshops, crafts, and games put together by community organizations and neighbors. For those who participate in 8 or more of the activity stations, there will be a fun prize!

BAMKids presents Love Our Earth | Fort Greene

Saturday, April 18th | 11:00am | Register here

As part of an Earth Day celebration, the BAMkids program invites families to explore climate action through creativity, music, and community connection with local organizations – empowering young children to discover how their voices and everyday choices can help care for the planet.

Farmhouse Family Day: Waking up the Farm! | East Flatbush

Saturday, April 18th | 11:00am-3:00pm | Register here 

After a bitter winter, it’s time to savor the sweetness of spring! Join the Wyckoff House and local initiatives as they celebrate this Earth Day with crafts and giveaways!

SUNDAY

Grand Opening: The Green-House at Green-Wood | Greenwood Cemetery

Saturday, April 18th and Sunday, April 19th | 10:00am-3:00pm | Register here

Welcome to the Green-House! Join for an unforgettable opening weekend as Green-Wood celebrates its newest space with activities designed to delight visitors of all ages. From hands-on workshops to guided explorations, these programs offer something for everyone to discover, learn, and connect with this exciting addition to their historic grounds.

Outdoor Sketchbooking | Brooklyn Bridge Park

Sunday, April 19th | 10:00am | Register here | Older teens and adults

Do you like to sketchbook? Are you interested in starting? Join Brooklyn Bridge Park educators and other like-minded people in a sketchbooking meet-up. Each time, the group will meet at a different location in the park to concentrate on different subjects and stretch our skills. Come to one event or come to all. It’s up to you. These are informal sessions with some instruction for those who are new to the practice as well as an open exchange of ideas, techniques, and materials. This month the group will be meeting at Pier 3 Central Lawn and concentrating on spring trees, sketching their shapes before they leaf out completely. Participants are encouraged to bring their own, favorite sketching materials, but they will provide some for those who don’t have. This program is intended for adults, although older teens are welcome as well.

Free Admission Days at the Pier 2 Roller Skating Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park

Sundays | 10:00am-12:00pm | FREE admission but skate rental is $8 and skate mate rental is $6

Come to the Pier 2 Roller Skating Rink for some free family fun and exercise. Enjoy the fresh air and gorgeous views as you skate around the rink.

Storytime with Katie Yamasaki: Ripples | Brooklyn Bridge Park

Sunday, April 19th | 11:00am | RSVP here

Join for an Earth Day inspired celebration by Books Are Magic, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and author-illustrator Katie Yamasaki. Katie will read from her newest picture book, Ripples! The reading will be followed by a book signing and an opportunity to take part in a family friendly gardening project, led by Brooklyn Bridge Park staff, to help care for the Park’s green spaces.

Brooklyn Independent Comics Showcase (BICS)  | Sunset Park 

Saturday, April 18th and Sunday, April 19th | 11:00am-7:00pm 

Brooklyn Independent Comics Showcase is an annual comics and art convention at Industry City. BICS highlights independent comics creators, artists, writers, and small press publishers. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet creators, shop, and attend panels, classes, and signings – all for free!

Earth Day Playdate at Another World | Crown Heights

Sunday, April 19th | 11:00am-1:30pm 

Join the Crown Heights Care Collective’s Earth Day Playdate. Come learn stewarding practices including cleaning your garden and planting native wildflowers, paint our garden beds, do fun art activities,  and participate in nature themed sing-a-longs. Plants offer so many metaphors to develop community relationships, so come to connect with other parents and caregivers over how to sustain community work. This event is for all ages.

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